Avid Flyer with Jabiru 2200, should I buy it?

[MIKKIE]

I am thinking about buying an Avid Flyer built in the early 1990's with a Jabiru 2200, 80hp. Should I have concerns about getting parts for it in the future or anything else. It seems to be a good plane in good condition.

 

 

[Richard Budge]

I have a Jabiru with 2200 engine. I have read some negative stuff about the engine but from my experience, it's a brilliant engine, and never gives me one moment of trouble. I DO change the oil every 25 hours and re-torque the heads and gap the valves clearance just to be sure. I changed the plugs every 50 hours or if I'm jus for any reason. These are a rock solid engine from my experience. Buy with confidence.

 

 

[Frankus1aust]

How is the Avid for airframe parts?

 

 

[Ian West]

I am thinking about buying an Avid Flyer built in the early 1990's with a Jabiru 2200, 80hp. Should I have concerns about getting parts for it in the future or anything else. It seems to be a good plane in good condition.

Hi Mikkie - Westy here.I have an early 2200cc Jabiru engine ( generation 1 with solid lifters) - this has been a great engine and has never given me an ounce of trouble. Like Richard I change out the filters, oil and plugs at the appropriate intervals. Engine parts are available through Jabiru if needed.

 

I have my Jab on the market as I haven't the time to fly these days - if interested see For Sale on the Jabiru site. Registration 55-3261

 

Regards

 

Westy-3261

 

 

[Cygnet Pilot]

The Jabiru is a very good power plant. The age of the Avid Flyer should not be an issue if it has been maintained properly. My Cygnet was built in 91 and has many good years left in her.

 

 

[MIKKIE]

Hi Mikkie - Westy here.I have an early 2200cc Jabiru engine ( generation 1 with solid lifters) - this has been a great engine and has never given me an ounce of trouble. Like Richard I change out the filters, oil and plugs at the appropriate intervals. Engine parts are available through Jabiru if needed.I have my Jab on the market as I haven't the time to fly these days - if interested see For Sale on the Jabiru site. Registration 55-3261

 

Regards

 

Westy-3261

Thanks for the info

[MIKKIE]

Thanks everyone for your help

 

 

[Litespeed]

Frame parts are usually easy to get from the states or anywhere lots of the Avidflyer were sold- they were a kit aircraft. Anything on it should be easily made locally anyway, if needed. Many variations were built eg. The Kitfox.

 

The Avid is a good aircraft and the Jabiru are great engines.

 

 

[derekliston]

Don’t know much about the Avid but I love my 2200 Jabiru. Light, simple, cheap (relative term when it comes to aircraft) compared to others. Just look after it and it will look after you.

 

 

[brinykraut]

After flying around the Pacific Northwest for the last 8 months, I can enthusiastically second the positive comments about the Jab engine

 

and the Avid airframe. I've done a couple of 200+ mile cross country flights, loaded up with camping gear, 1000fpm + climb.

 

Climbs to 6500ft to take advantage of wind and smooth air. CHTs and EGTs @300/1300 degrees, Oil tmps 180< even on 90 degree day climbouts--

 

Of course, short and rough field is her forte. I couldn't ask for better performance for the money.

 

As others may have indicated, engine support has been sterling--I had a (3 yr old) cracked starter housing replaced within a few days, cast part replaced

 

with a machined piece at NO cost--very responsive customer service.

 

Many Kitfox/Avid builders and owners around who can (and do) fabricate and even rebuild these aircraft, very little needed in the way of replacement

 

parts that can't be made.

 

I got a kick out of your location--I live across the river from Longview, WA. Small world...

 

G